Understanding acute suppurative tonsillitis.

TSMH | Pediatric Series | Understanding acute suppurative tonsillitis. | date:2023-01/01

What is acute suppurative tonsillitis ?

Acute suppurative tonsillitis is one of the common illnesses in children. However, not all tonsillitis requires antibiotic treatment. Tonsillitis is generally classified as bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.


Classification/Clinical Symptoms of suppurative tonsillitis.

Viral suppurative tonsillitis

Adenovirus The most common symptoms include a fever lasting about 3 to 4 days, accompanied by coughing, nasal congestion, and even conjunctivitis (discharge from the eyes) or mild diarrhea. If the fever lasts too long, there is a decrease in activity, or other specific symptoms of discomfort, early medical attention should be sought.
EB Virus Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes in the neck, swollen eyelids, enlarged liver and spleen, coughing, nasal congestion, skin rash, fever lasting even more than a week.In severe cases, the blood or other systems will be involved, causing complications such as respiratory obstruction

Bacterial suppurative tonsillitis

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci High fever, headache, chills, sore throat when swallowing saliva, occasional vomiting, abdominal pain, painful swollen lymph glands in the head, etc.
Streptococcus It is common in children between 5 and 15 years old. Children under the age of 3 are generally at a very low risk of contracting streptococcal infections.

Treatment

Viral tonsillitis - — Symptomatic treatment.

Bacterial tonsillitis - — Intravenous antibiotics are appropriate in the acute phase, and oral antibiotics can be used in the remission phase. A complete course of treatment with injections and oral antibiotics takes about 7 to 14 days.

Care measures:

Antipyretic treatment for fever

Fever cycle Care instructions
Chill phase: Emphasizing on keeping warm.
Fever phase:
  • Reduce clothing and bedding
  • Stay hydrated
  • Use a warm water swab bath (water temperature between 36-38 °C)


Diet: When the appetite is poor, cold foods such as ice cream, pudding, and jelly can be given.


◎ If the following symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately





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